About Us
About Us
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Strolling Strings is an independent youth orchestra for string players ages 6–18 with at least one year of playing experience. We are based in Harleysville, and our students come from across Montgomery and Bucks Counties. Our programs include a Fall Semester, Spring Semester, and Summer Camp. We give young musicians opportunities to perform, learn, and make music together.
During the school year, we have two semesters. The Fall Semester runs from October-December, and the Spring Semester runs from February-April. We rehearse together once a week on Wednesdays at Clemmer Music Studio in Harleysville. Each semester includes the following events, although the locations may be different each year:
Bake Sale
Dine and Donate
Retirement Home Visit
Student Showcase
Some semesters also include a special event. In Spring 2026, we participated in the Bucks County St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
Over the Summer, we host a camp at Trinity Lutheran Church in Perkasie. At our week-long camp, students play as a full ensemble and in small groups, such as duets, trios, and quartets. They also learn folk tunes by ear. In addition to music, campers enjoy an art class and break time, which usually includes movement games. On the last day, camp includes a guest artist, a pizza party, and a concert.
Our goals are to...
provide performance experience for young musicians
connect students from different schools, make new friends
teach students how to prepare a program and play "on tour"
allow students to take ownership of their own music and ensemble
share the love of music with the community
Semester Address
Semester Address
Summer Camp Address
Summer Camp Address
Our Team
Our Team
Strolling Strings was founded by Valerie Smith-Gonzalez, a Perkasie resident and violinist. Known by her students as "Miss Val," Valerie began playing violin in her public school's orchestra at the age of nine and has been performing ever since. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Susquehanna University under the direction of Dr. Jennifer Wiley, followed by a Master's degree in Music Education from West Chester University, where she studied with Carlos Rubio of the Dali Quartet.
Inspired by the community ensembles she participated in herself, Valerie founded Strolling Strings to create a welcoming community orchestra where students of varying experience levels can learn and perform together while complementing their school music education. Valerie has taken great inspiration from her previous work with Got Strings? Youth Orchestra, SU Strings, and her own high school's after-school orchestra. She takes great pride in sharing music with her students and encouraging them to share it with others.
Valerie has been an Orchestra Director at Perkiomen Valley School District since 2019 and previously taught private lessons at Clemmer Music Studio for four years. When she's not teaching, Valerie enjoys performing throughout the local community. You may have seen her busking at Souderton 3rd Friday, performing in the band Fourth Thursday at Perkasie Porchfest, or playing at local open mics, community events, and private events throughout the area. She has found her happy place in improvisation and loves creating music with friends on a whim.
Ricardo Smith-Gonzalez is the photographer for Strolling Strings. He is a Sellersville resident with an Associate's degree in film and cinema from Bucks County Community College. Ricardo shares a passion of music like his sister, Valerie, but in a different media. In high school, Ricardo would edit the trailers for the schools musicals and worked on minor projects in college. He currently is striving to travel and share his experiences through his photos.
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